So even though he will fall back to #3 after Monte Carlo if he doesn't make the QFs (and if he doesn't make the SFs, he will fall back to #3 after Barcelona instead, assuming he's not playing Barcelona this year), he should still comfortably be #2 at RG due to Madrid - Federer will struggle to defend his 1000 points (although with a lucky draw he could definitely make the final), whilst Murray has a chance to get some significant gains.

Nadal will definitely be the Wild Card during the clay season - anyone drawing him in the QFs bar maybe Djokovic are surely facing a QF exit, and 'only' 180 points.

So even though he will fall back to #3 after Monte Carlo if he doesn't make the QFs (and if he doesn't make the SFs, he will fall back to #3 after Barcelona instead, assuming he's not playing Barcelona this year), he should still comfortably be #2 at RG due to Madrid - Federer will struggle to defend his 1000 points (although with a lucky draw he could definitely make the final), whilst Murray has a chance to get some significant gains.

Nadal will definitely be the Wild Card during the clay season - anyone drawing him in the QFs bar maybe Djokovic are surely facing a QF exit, and 'only' 180 points.

Thanks for this breakdown, it's really helpful. Given all of Andy's talk about more consistency especially on clay, I'm thinking he'll go more deeper into these tournaments than he did last year...

funny isn't it but I don't recall any fuss being made when Andy last got to #2 whereas this time it's big news. I guess it's because this time it's recognised that he genuinely is the 2nd bestplayer in the world at present [ok we don't know what will happen with Rafa] and also because for first time for years neither smugfed nor rafa is in top 2.

Absolutely It was a great triumph but it was earned with blood sweat and tears Speaking personally I also know that I do not have a heart problem Watching that match was a stressfull, painful experience for the spectators never mind the players!

bb had to laugh - perhaps we should suggest watching Andy become a test of cardiac fitness!tmh - thanks for the historical stats on masters wins. Given that surely Andy will win more it suggests he'll easily end up in the top 10. And I think 'the race' stats are very telling - Andy not far behind Nole yet having played fewer tournaments and Ferrer is up there partly by dint of having played so many. Wouldn't it be wonderful if smugfed, down at #8, didn't make it to 02. Oh well a woman can dream.

bb had to laugh - perhaps we should suggest watching Andy become a test of cardiac fitness!tmh - thanks for the historical stats on masters wins. Given that surely Andy will win more it suggests he'll easily end up in the top 10. And I think 'the race' stats are very telling - Andy not far behind Nole yet having played fewer tournaments and Ferrer is up there partly by dint of having played so many. Wouldn't it be wonderful if smugfed, down at #8, didn't make it to 02. Oh well a woman can dream.

I like the idea of watching Andy, especially that match, as a measure of cardiac fitness lol, BB might be on to something there lol.

If Andy can keep going I think the race could be fascinating this year. I suppose it's too early to say but I'd think it was hilarious if Smugfed didn't qualify. I wouldn't usually mention divine retribution, but after that match with Andy last year at the O2 I'd love to see Smugfed get his, if you know what I mean lol.

Ah but Ruthie is it not more desirable to see smugfed playing and then annihilated by his opponent?

No because in an indoor court with his thousands of travelling fans he might well win! And I'd love all those in your face fans who will have bought their tickets assuming he'll be in the SFs have to face up to his demise if he's not there - mean of me I know but having had to put up with Fed fans when he was playing Andy at WTF last year, I'm afraid they bring out the worst in me

It's very unusual to see Federer so low down the race at this time of year - and with no titles. Usually he's won at least one of Doha/Rotterdam/Dubai. There's a real chance for him to go out of the top 4 later in the year if he loses early at Wimbledon - drawing Rafa in the QF would be a nightmare for him.

Great to see Andy so close to Novak in points, having played one less tournament as well. He's the clear number 2 player in the world right now - nice to have the rankings reflect that.